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Meta-Analysis
. 2013 Jan-Feb;89(1):18-24.
doi: 10.1016/j.jped.2013.02.004.

Effectiveness of probiotics in the prophylaxis of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Wanderley Marques Bernardo  1 , Felipe Toyama Aires, Renata Mota Carneiro, Fernando Pereira de Sá, Vera Esteves Vagnozzi Rullo, Dennis Alexander Burns
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Free article
Meta-Analysis

Effectiveness of probiotics in the prophylaxis of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Wanderley Marques Bernardo et al. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2013 Jan-Feb.
Free article

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the benefits of using probiotics in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and its complications in preterm newborns.

Method: This was a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, which included studies retrieved from three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS), using a combination of the terms (necrotizing enterocolitis) AND (probiotics).

Results: 11 randomized trials were included, totaling 2,887 patients, 1,431 in the probiotic group and 1,456 in the control group. There was a reduction in the incidence of NEC (NNT=25), overall death (NNT=34), and neonatal sepsis (NNT=34) in the probiotic group compared to the control group. Patients that received probiotic supplementation had lower food reintroduction time (p<0.001) and hospitalization time (p<0.001) when compared to those not receiving probiotics. There was no difference in mortality caused by NEC.

Conclusion: In premature newborns, the use of probiotics is effective as a prophylaxis for NEC and its complications.

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